Did you know that the Houston area is home to more than 5,000 sites on the National Register of Historic Places? It’s true! Even though the city is one of the fastest growing in the U.S., Houston also has a booming population of buildings and homes dating back to 1850. With so much history, culture, and beauty in this part of Texas, it can be challenging to narrow your list of must-see destinations. Luckily for you, we’ve researched and discovered some of the top places you won’t want to miss when visiting Houston. Let’s take a look at 10 points of interest in Houston, TX – places you won’t want to miss:
Rice University
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The Rice campus was designed to mimic the architecture of an Italian Renaissance village. During your visit, check out the beautiful buildings and walkways designed by famed architect Philip Johnson. Rice is one of the top 10 universities in the world and is also located on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S. The campus is situated along the shores of the Texas Gulf Coast near the city of Houston, and you’ll find it difficult to leave without being mesmerized by its architectural beauty. And while the campus is certainly worth seeing, don’t forget to check out the nearby Museum of Natural History and Ecology (MNHEO). This museum houses more than 2,000 insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals worldwide.
Rothko Chapel
This uniquely designed art gallery is located inside an old chapel and is considered one of Houston’s best places to visit. The Rothko Chapel was designed and built by renowned artist, architect, and sculptor, Mark Rothko in 1971. If you’re looking for a unique experience in Houston, you won’t want to miss this place. Rothko was a famous abstract expressionist who was born in Russia in 1903. He later moved to the U.S. in the 1940s and became a U.S. citizen in 1946. Rothko’s works are displayed in museums and collections across the globe and are considered some of the most important pieces of art of the 20th century. The Rothko Chapel is located at 3900 Yupon Street, Houston, TX 77006.
The Menil Collection
This museum was created by renowned art patrons John and Dominique de Menil and housed an extensive art collection from Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The museum also hosts regular exhibits from artists around the world. If you’re an art lover, this is one of the top places to visit in Houston. The museum is open every week, and admission is free. You should check the museum’s website before visiting to ensure an exhibition is currently being hosted. The Menil is located at 1533 Sul Ross Street, Houston, TX 77006.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
This is one of the top places to visit in Houston because it offers visitors the chance to discover and explore nature hands-on. You’ll find many live animals, including four-legged critters, slithering snakes, and flying birds. The museum also houses a planetarium, an insect zoo, and a dinosaur hall. There are also several hands-on exhibits and interactive educational programs available for children. The museum is open daily, and admission is free. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is located at 5555 Hermann Park, Houston, TX, 77030.
Houston Zoo
If you’re traveling with children, you may want to make a stop at the Houston Zoo. This is one of the top places to visit in Houston for families with young children. There are plenty of animal exhibits suited for children of all ages, and you can even feed some animals from the comfort of your car. The zoo is open daily, and admission is $25 for adults and $20 for kids. If you’re visiting during the spring or summer months, be sure to check out the Wings Over Water festival. This two-day event allows you to see dozens of different species of birds up close. The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park, Houston, TX 77004.
Sam Houston Statue and Memorial Park
This is one of Houston’s top places to visit to learn more about the city’s history. The Sam Houston Statue and Memorial Park is located in Downtown Houston and features three sculptures by renowned artist Edgar Odell Lovett. The centerpiece is a 28-foot-tall statue of Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas. Around the Sam Houston statue, you’ll find other pieces of art with a nautical theme, including a nautilus shell and a seal. The park is also a beautiful place to visit, with a waterfront view, plenty of trees and flowers, and a wide variety of birds. The Sam Houston Statue and Memorial Park is located at 900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002.
Downtown Walking Tour
Whether you’ve been to Houston many times or are just visiting for the first time, you’ll want to take a walk through the city’s downtown district. While you’re there, you can learn more about the city’s history, see famous landmarks, and visit various unique shops and restaurants. You can take a self-guided walking tour or join a guided tour that leaves from the Sam Houston Statue and Memorial Park. You should visit the Heritage Society’s Architecture Tour if interiors are posted in architecture. This two-hour walking tour allows you to explore Houston’s unique and diverse architectural landscape. You’ll be able to see examples of modern, traditional, and vernacular architecture in various neighborhoods. The downtown walking tour is located at 816 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
If you’re interested in art, then the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is one of the top places to visit in Houston. This world-renowned museum houses a vast collection of art spanning thousands of years. The MFAH is one of the largest art museums in the U.S. The museum is open every day, and admission is free. You can also attend special events and exhibitions that often include ticketed entry fees. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is located at 1001 Binz Street, Houston, TX 77004. The museum hosts various exhibitions, and you can view a calendar of events here. You can also check out the MFAH’s Children’s Art Discovery program if you’re visiting with children.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the top places to visit in Houston. When visiting this part of Texas, you won’t miss out on the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast, the rich history of the city, or the many art and wildlife museums available to visitors. We hope you enjoyed reading about these places and that they make your future visit to Houston even more special. Now it’s time to book your flight and get ready to explore this exciting city.